Joshua 24:15: "... decide today whom you will serve, the gods your ancestors worshiped in Mesopotamia or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are now living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Monday, May 16, 2011

BOSTON—Massachusetts public health officials said Tuesday they would be willing to consider changes in the content of a sexual education website aimed at teens, after critics in the Legislature complained that the site had graphic and "disgusting" descriptions of sex acts and downplayed the risks of abortion.

"Gov. Patrick, take down this website," demanded state Rep.Marc Lombardo, R-Billerica, one of about 20 members of a bipartisan group that held a Statehouse news conference.

Patrick himself offered no immediate comment, but the public health agency said in a statement that it would be willing to meet with critics in the coming days and, if necessary, take steps to improve the content of the site.

But the department also said its goal was to make accurate health information available to the public and that the site was "an important tool to help us do that."

Some lawmakers defended the site, including state Rep. Byron Rushing, D-Boston, who said it provided useful information and "speaks the language that teenagers speak."

The site features "Maria" and other fictional teens who discuss topics including sex, birth control, pregnancy, abortion and sexually transmitted diseases.

Critics object to graphic descriptions of sexual contact and slang terms used for sexual acts.

Critics also decried the wording of the abortion section of the website.

In one passage, the character says her aunt, an obstetrician, told her that abortions are "safe and effective, though some people may experience temporary discomfort."

In response to the question "Can I get an abortion if I am under 18?" the character says that while the information can be confusing and intimidating, "I promise you the reality of getting an abortion is much easier than it sounds here."

Massachusetts law requires that unmarried girls under 18 get consent from a parent or guardian before obtaining an abortion. They may also seek permission from a judge to have an abortion if their parents refuse to give permission or if they feel they cannot talk to their parents about it.

The site tells girls who are seeking an abortion that they can call a Planned Parenthood hotline and speak to counselors who could help them discuss the issue with their parents, or refer them to a free lawyer who will help them go through the courts.

Massachusetts Citizens for Life, an anti-abortion group, also has called on Patrick to shut down the site.

Supporters of the site point out that it includes a lengthy section on abstinence titled "I Want to Wait," as well as information about adoption as an alternative to abortion.

Michael Falcone, political director for NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts, said critics were not looking at the material in its entirety.

"They are here strictly to politicize family planning and use it as a bargaining chip in the public debate," Falcone said. "Mariatalks is a comprehensive website that has information for many young adults."